2022 / Willow Creek District Syrah

Engulfing aromas of lavender, boysenberry and berry compote reveal trailing scents of cocoa dust, smoked game and peppercorn spice. The mouthfeel is bright, juicy and expansive, with blue fruits and black cherry seamlessly integrated around a toasted oak frame. Chewy acidity imbues the finish with fine grip and length.

The 2022 Syrah was painstakingly curated with organic farming practices, small-batch winemaking and a reverence for site expression

Moderate to steep slopes at Block 2B
Exclusively from Clone 27.1
Calcareous limestone and clay loam
Elevation range of 1,015 to 1,300 feet
12 miles from the Pacific Ocean
Organically farmed vines

Vinification

A special selection from two 228-liter French oak barrels
5-day cold soak followed by fermentation in small open-top bins
Aged for 16 months in an average of 67% new oak
Selected and blended at the 6-month mark of aging
Returned to barrels for 10 additional months of maturation

Analysis

Alc. 15.9%
TA .61
PH 3.62
Cases 55

2022 Willow Creek district Syzygy

Tasting
Notes

The 2022 Syrah walks a perfect tightrope of savory cool-climate character and sun-soaked Paso Robles energy. The nose displays engulfing aromas of lavender, boysenberry and berry compote with trailing scents of cocoa dust, smoked game and peppercorn spice. The mouthfeel is bright, juicy and expansive, with blue fruits and black cherry seamlessly integrated around a toasted oak frame. Chewy acidity imbues the finish with fine grip and length.

Reviews, Kind Words &

Accolades

This bottling is a very strong showing for a new producer, indicating exciting vintages to come. Aromas of black currant, elderberry, thyme and violet lead from the nose into a palate that deftly integrates cassis, lilac, pepper and fine-grained tannins into a cohesive dis- play. Editor’s Choice.

—94 points, Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast / April 2025

The 2022 Syrah is understated in the glass, wafting up with violet and lavender nuances and a hint of crushed blackberry. This is more lifted and graceful in style, with medium-bodied weight and cool-toned black fruits. A tactile mineral tinge settles in toward the close. The 2022 finishes tart and structured, with a sour cherry concentration and edgy tannins that poke at the cheeks. Give this some time in the cellar to fully blossom.

—93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous / December 2024

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